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dg611
Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 8
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Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 10:42 am Post subject: Anyone at Zayed U to answer a few questions |
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I am really curious about the family housing they provide to English Teachers in Abu Dhabi. I would love to see some pictures. I have never lived in the Middle East so I really have no idea what to expect. If anyone out there has any specific information and/or pics to share, I would appreciate it.
Also, how difficult will i be for me to get my daughter into a good international school in AD? Particularly if I need to get her in this semster? |
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adorabilly
Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 430 Location: Ras Al Khaimah
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Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 12:30 pm Post subject: |
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Hi DG.
I could be wrong (and often am) but I believe that they will provide you a housing allowance and you have to find your own housing.
As for schooling you want to contact all of the international schools in abu dhabi and get your kids on their waiting list now. There are massive waiting lists for expat kids schooling. |
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veiledsentiments

Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA
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Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 1:57 pm Post subject: |
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No, ZU provides the flat, which is good since they are tough to find these days in AD. It would be hard to provide pictures as there is naturally great variance. But, everyone that I knew was given a relatively new, large flat with 2-3 bedrooms depending on family size. Flats in the Gulf tend to be roomy with lots of stone, concrete, and glass... with central air conditioning. The furniture allowance is sufficient to furnish it if your taste isn't too luxurious. You will likely have to buy appliances.
Adorabilly is right about the waiting lists for schools. Get in touch NOW and get your daughter on some lists. It is very late actually.
VS |
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housecat
Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 104 Location: usa
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Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 5:43 pm Post subject: |
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[quote="veiledsentiments"]
Adorabilly is right about the waiting lists for schools. Get in touch NOW and get your daughter on some lists. It is very late actually.
VS[/quote]
Hmm. I'm a year closer to my goal of working in the UAE, and have started to think seriously about options for my own son's education. I will be a certified teacher in the US, after all, so could I home school my son? I'm not very comfortable with the available options I've read about, but truthfully, I'd like to have him in a good school. If I did decide that the available options don't suit us, and that I should try homeschooling, does anyone know anything about how to go about, or know anyone else who's done it? |
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adorabilly
Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 430 Location: Ras Al Khaimah
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Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 8:56 pm Post subject: |
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Hey Housecat.
The issue that would come up would be is the school you are teaching for willing to pay for the educaitonal expenses of home schooling. And I am not certain that most would be.
We have our children going to a local english speaking school. They are about one year behind the grade level they would be in the states, so we supplelment their educations with stuff we brought from the states that is grade appropriate.
My wife's employer will not pay for "homeschooling" in the educational allowances (so this also rules out things like music, art, or dance lessons outside of the school, even though I think they are "educational" and should be allowed.)
The other issue you may want to pay attention to would be how expensive are the schools where you are placed, and if your employer is paying will you have to pay anything out of pocket.
Like with anything else, check out your options early, ask questions of parents who have their kids in the schools where you may be posted, and be aware that you may have to supplement their education at home. |
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housecat
Joined: 03 Jan 2007 Posts: 104 Location: usa
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Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 9:12 pm Post subject: |
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[quote="adorabilly"]Hey Housecat.
The issue that would come up would be is the school you are teaching for willing to pay for the educaitonal expenses of home schooling. And I am not certain that most would be.
We have our children going to a local english speaking school. They are about one year behind the grade level they would be in the states, so we supplelment their educations with stuff we brought from the states that is grade appropriate.
My wife's employer will not pay for "homeschooling" in the educational allowances (so this also rules out things like music, art, or dance lessons outside of the school, even though I think they are "educational" and should be allowed.)
The other issue you may want to pay attention to would be how expensive are the schools where you are placed, and if your employer is paying will you have to pay anything out of pocket.
Like with anything else, check out your options early, ask questions of parents who have their kids in the schools where you may be posted, and be aware that you may have to supplement their education at home.[/quote]
Hi Adorabilly, and thanks for the reply. Yes, I do expect to have to suppliment my son's education at home, where ever I land, and I do it here in the States, too. I teach him quite a bit at home, anyway. So that got me thinking about the homeschooling. I hope, if I really make the move, to end up in Al Ain. I understand that there are really not many options there. I would immagine that, if I were working for a uni, they would pay for my son's tuition, right? It's a shame to hear that they might not pay for homeschooling expenses. Actually, the more I think of doing this there, the more I like it because I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities for him to socialize in other ways. My son is an only, anyway, and he really likes the "other kids" dynamic of the classroom.
Do you think that I might find any interest from other parents in having their children study with my son--if they're the right ages and levels? Or would that be strange or against any regulations?
Yes, I'm trying to ask my questions now. As much as possible, I like to know what I'm getting us into!
P.S.
Urm, sorry, O.P., for hijacking your thread!! I'm also interested in seeing photos of housing provided. In fact, I have another question! I'm a single mom with one child. So, are we afforded a couple appartment, or family villa? How does this work? |
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mishmumkin
Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929
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Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 9:41 pm Post subject: |
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Quote: |
Urm, sorry, O.P., for hijacking your thread!! I'm also interested in seeing photos of housing provided. In fact, I have another question! I'm a single mom with one child. So, are we afforded a couple appartment, or family villa? How does this work? |
This policy varies from employer to employer. Generally speaking, the univerisities only pay out a "family" accommodation with 2+ kids. I know of some places that offer a "married" accommodation vs. non-married, but I would expect to get a 2 bedroom apt or an allowance towards that. |
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mishmumkin
Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929
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Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 9:44 pm Post subject: Re: Anyone at Zayed U to answer a few questions |
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dg611 wrote: |
I am really curious about the family housing they provide to English Teachers in Abu Dhabi. I would love to see some pictures. I have never lived in the Middle East so I really have no idea what to expect. If anyone out there has any specific information and/or pics to share, I would appreciate it.
Also, how difficult will i be for me to get my daughter into a good international school in AD? Particularly if I need to get her in this semster? |
I suspect you'll have a hard time getting someone from ZU to give feedback on this. The ZU crowd doesn't really comment too much on this forum (specifically about ZU, anyway). Sharing phots of their accommodation also compromises their anonymity. |
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dg611
Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 8
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Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 1:36 am Post subject: |
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Thanks to those who provides some answer...now I have a question on terminology. The word "FLAT" has a slightly different meaning where I grew up...it is often used to refer to 'row houses' but i understand that a flat is like an apartment in european terminology....I'm confused.....
Describe please, the difference between a flat, apartment and villa in the UAE...so I can be clear.....
Also, assuming a 'flat' is an apartment in US terminology....are there swimming pools or other recreation facilities on the grounds of these places or what?
As for school...Its a little hard to know what to do here because i don't know exactly where in AD I will be living and what schools will be the most convenient to where I work so i can bring my daughter to school...I know they have transportation available but that costs money, too so I was hoping to avoid that if possible.
Thanks again for any answers. |
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veiledsentiments

Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA
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Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 3:12 am Post subject: |
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dg611 wrote: |
Describe please, the difference between a flat, apartment and villa in the UAE...so I can be clear.....
Also, assuming a 'flat' is an apartment in US terminology....are there swimming pools or other recreation facilities on the grounds of these places or what? |
flat = apartment
villa = detached house
You will rarely have any recreational facilities as most flats are in high rise buildings and have no grounds (or parking in most cases - which can be a problem). There are some buildings that have a pool on the roof, but better to assume that you won't luck into one of them. Most families join a club to get access to a pool.
VS |
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mishmumkin
Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929
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Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 3:49 am Post subject: |
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dg611 wrote: |
Thanks to those who provides some answer...now I have a question on terminology. The word "FLAT" has a slightly different meaning where I grew up...it is often used to refer to 'row houses' but i understand that a flat is like an apartment in european terminology....I'm confused.....
Describe please, the difference between a flat, apartment and villa in the UAE...so I can be clear.....
Also, assuming a 'flat' is an apartment in US terminology....are there swimming pools or other recreation facilities on the grounds of these places or what?
As for school...Its a little hard to know what to do here because i don't know exactly where in AD I will be living and what schools will be the most convenient to where I work so i can bring my daughter to school...I know they have transportation available but that costs money, too so I was hoping to avoid that if possible.
Thanks again for any answers. |
Flat is a one story unit-almost always a part of a large building of units. Villas are stand alone or semi-detached. All the places I lived in within Dubai had pools and small gyms (not particularly nice buildings, either). I don't know how common this is, though, within Abu Dhabi. |
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adorabilly
Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 430 Location: Ras Al Khaimah
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Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 4:01 pm Post subject: |
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Hi Adorabilly, and thanks for the reply. Yes, I do expect to have to suppliment my son's education at home, where ever I land, and I do it here in the States, too. I teach him quite a bit at home, anyway. So that got me thinking about the homeschooling. I hope, if I really make the move, to end up in Al Ain. I understand that there are really not many options there. I would immagine that, if I were working for a uni, they would pay for my son's tuition, right? It's a shame to hear that they might not pay for homeschooling expenses. Actually, the more I think of doing this there, the more I like it because I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities for him to socialize in other ways. My son is an only, anyway, and he really likes the "other kids" dynamic of the classroom.
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Your options are limited, but remember that even an "average/below average" school in the UAE is better than nothing. I have heard the issues with al ain english speaking school, and with the RAK english speaking school. With RAKESS I am not impressed, but it isn't hideous and I can work with what the kids are learning there. I would figure the same for Al Ain.
The quality of the schools depends on which emirate you are in and the options that are available. So keep that in mind.
As for the other options for socialization, they are rather limited for kids in most emirates (outside of dubai, sharjah, and abu dhabi). Most of the options you find out about them from word of mouth with other parents.
If your employer is paying an educational allowance then take it, put your kids in the schools available and then supplement their education as needed. (and living abroad in another culture is a wonderful learning experience)
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Do you think that I might find any interest from other parents in having their children study with my son--if they're the right ages and levels? Or would that be strange or against any regulations? |
You will find that most employers will heavily frown on you setting up outside hours tutoring. Now of course they may also frown upon it, but accept it. You will find that lots of teachers offer tutoring, so you could probably get away with it (well not legally, but it is still done)
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Urm, sorry, O.P., for hijacking your thread!! I'm also interested in seeing photos of housing provided. In fact, I have another question! I'm a single mom with one child. So, are we afforded a couple appartment, or family villa? How does this work? |
I'm not sure for anywhere outside of RAK (which is where we are) or HCT (which is my wife's employer). Everyone who came got a minimum 3 bedroom villa. Larger families got larger villas. But even single teachers got 3 bedroom villas.
But that is in RAK, not in dubai/sharjah or abu dhabi where I heard teachers had to find 2 to 3 bedroom flats... |
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adorabilly
Joined: 20 May 2006 Posts: 430 Location: Ras Al Khaimah
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Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2008 4:13 pm Post subject: |
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dg611 wrote: |
Describe please, the difference between a flat, apartment and villa in the UAE...so I can be clear.....
Also, assuming a 'flat' is an apartment in US terminology....are there swimming pools or other recreation facilities on the grounds of these places or what? |
Hi DG.
a flat is the same thing as a decent apartment. A villa is an enclosed house with an outer wall, and they are usually in compounds with other villas.
as for the facilities of flats/villas it depends on the particular building and location. Newer buildings tend to have more facilities than older buildings.
dg611 wrote: |
As for school...Its a little hard to know what to do here because i don't know exactly where in AD I will be living and what schools will be the most convenient to where I work so i can bring my daughter to school...I know they have transportation available but that costs money, too so I was hoping to avoid that if possible.
Thanks again for any answers. |
DG... you aren't worried about the most convenient, you want to get into the "best" schools because there is a marked difference between the top 3 (or so schools) and the rest in AD.
No where you are located will be convenient due to the large amount of traffic, so instead just see if you can get your kid(s) into the best schools possible.
Of course that usually means the educational allowance may not cover all of the school expenses and you will have to pay out of pocket.
It may be too late to get your kids into the most requested schools now anyways... but try to get them on the waiting lists now or you will be stuck with horrible options, or no options at all. |
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dg611
Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 8
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Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:20 am Post subject: |
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what would be the size of an average 3 or 4 bedroom flat? |
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veiledsentiments

Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA
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Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 2:06 pm Post subject: |
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There is a great variation in the housing teachers get in the Emirates. People in Ras al Khaima or Dubai are more likely to get something other than a flat. In Abu Dhabi, very few teachers are in villas. The only ones that I knew were teaching couples who paid the rent difference from their own pocket because they had large families.
If you are going to Abu Dhabi and have only one child, you may be given only a two bedroom. It will very much depend on what they have open in their inventory. The rental market in AD is VERY tight right now. At best, you might get a 3 bedroom. By "American" standards, I found the flats almost too big (singles also got a 2 bedroom). There is quite a large variance in size though... from pretty big to cavernous...
To be honest, I think housing isn't a problem or at least a problem that you have much control over. You get what you get - but housing is generally acceptable and often fantastic. If you hate the flat, you are very very nice to the housing people and try to move into a flat that opens when someone leaves.
Schooling is a more difficult problem because it becomes your responsibility to find a school that can take her and you will very likely have to pay some money above your education allowance.
VS
(BTW... you should be able to find some pictures of flats on real estate sites - at least get a sample of mostly the luxury stuff.) |
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